News & Messages

A Message from Chancellor Carol L. Folt

Over the past few days, I have received many questions from members of
our community in response to an ESPN story on claims ­ some new, some not
­ regarding academics and athletics at Carolina. It is clear that our
community cares deeply about these issues, and I want to assure you that
we are doing our best to resolve remaining questions. I also want to take
this opportunity to reconfirm that we are going to respond to these
questions at the right time, and to provide some perspective as to how
Carolina is moving forward.

First, we take reports of academic irregularities very seriously, which
is why UNC President Tom Ross and I hired former federal prosecutor
Kenneth Wainstein in February to conduct an independent investigation
into these very issues. Mr. Wainstein has full autonomy and authority to
ask the tough questions and follow the facts wherever they lead. I
believe we have a responsibility to our students, faculty, staff, alumni
and University community at large to ensure we get this right, to empower
Mr. Wainstein to investigate fully, thoughtfully and without any
interference ­ and I encourage anyone who has relevant information to
contact him directly.

This process takes time. Until the investigation is complete, we may not
be able to respond to each new report or allegation. In some cases that
is because we do not want to jump to conclusions or otherwise impede the
investigation. In other cases it is because we must not violate our
students¹ federally protected privacy rights ­ even when doing so limits
the extent to which we can correct inaccuracies and defend our former
student-athletes.

Once we know the extent of Mr. Wainstein¹s findings, which he will
release to the public, we will take appropriate action, building on the
significant reforms we have already implemented. At that time we will
also be better equipped to respond to individual claims. Until then, we
appreciate your patience and understanding. I encourage you to visit
http://carolinacommitment.unc.edu to learn more about our ongoing work.

You and I know that Carolina is so much more than these immediate
challenges. As I write this, I am reminded of our faculty and students
who are conducting research and innovating to improve lives, as well as
our alumni who are leading companies and founding non-profit
organizations that serve our state and communities around the globe.

Finally, we recognize that we will remain part of the broader national
conversation on these issues. As the nation¹s first public university, we
also have a responsibility to lead it ­ both with words and actions. We
will do this thoughtfully, responsibly and thoroughly, in the finest
traditions of this great University.